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Gendering The Green Agenda: The Role of Women in Environmental Governance at Local and Global levels

Abstract:

As global environmental crises escalate, integrating gender perspectives into environmental
governance has become increasingly vital. Despite women’s historical roles in conservation
and their heightened vulnerability to ecological degradation, they remain significantly
underrepresented in formal decision-making processes. This paper explores the gender
disparities in environmental leadership at both local and global levels, identifying key
barriers such as institutional bias, limited education, financial constraints, and cultural norms.
Drawing on case studies from India’s Chipko Movement, Kenya’s Green Belt Movement, and
grassroots initiatives in Indonesia and Nepal, it highlights how women’s leadership
contributes to inclusive, equitable, and more effective environmental outcomes. Evidence
suggests that gender-diverse governance enhances community engagement, fosters
innovative solutions and improves policy compliance. International frameworks like the
Beijing Declaration, CEDAW, and the Sustainable Development Goals underscore the need
for gender inclusion, yet implementation remains inconsistent. Bridging the gap between
women’s grassroots activism and formal policymaking is essential and requires structural
reforms, capacity-building initiatives, targeted funding, and a rethinking of gender norms.
Recognizing and amplifying women’s voices in environmental decision-making is not only a
matter of justice but a strategic imperative for sustainable development and climate
resilience, making their inclusion central to the success of global environmental policy
agendas.

Keywords: Gender equality, environmental governance, women’s empowerment, sustainable
development, climate policy, grassroots movements, biodiversity conservation,
policy-making, institutional barriers, traditional ecological knowledge, intersectionality,
international frameworks, climate justice, and resource management.

1. Introduction:

As the world grapples with pressing environmental issues like climate change, deforestation,
and pollution, it’s crucial to recognize the vital role women play in shaping environmental
policies. Despite being disproportionately affected by environmental degradation, women
remain underrepresented in decision-making processes. However, their participation is not
only a matter of equity but also essential for achieving sustainable development. Women
bring unique perspectives and knowledge to the table, often rooted in their experiences as
primary caregivers and providers for their families. By empowering women and amplifying
their voices, we can create more inclusive and effective environmental policies that address
the needs of all. The importance of women’s participation in environmental policy-making
cannot be overstated, and it’s time to bridge the gap between their involvement in
environmental movements and policy-making processes. Let’s explore the current state,
benefits, and strategies for enhancing women’s participation in environmental policy-making.

The imperative for sustainable development and environmental protection necessitates the
inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences in policy-making processes. Despite the
critical role women play in environmental management and conservation, their participation
in environmental policy-making remains limited. Research has shown that women’s
involvement in decision-making processes can lead to more effective and sustainable
environmental outcomes (Agarwal, 2001; Leach, 2007). The United Nations’ Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the importance of gender equality and women’s
empowerment in achieving sustainable development (UN, 2020). This study aims to explore
the current state of women’s participation in environmental policy-making, identify barriers
to their involvement, and examine the benefits of their participation. By synthesizing existing
literature and analyzing case studies, this research seeks to contribute to a deeper
understanding of the complex relationships between gender, environment, and
policy-making, ultimately informing strategies to enhance women’s participation in
environmental governance.”

2. The Current State of Women’s Participation in Environmental Policymaking:
Women’s participation in environmental policymaking has gained momentum in recent years,
yet significant disparities persist. As of 2025, women’s participation in environmental
policymaking shows slow but steady progress, though significant gender gaps remain.
Women made up just 34% of party delegates at COP28, which is unchanged from ten years
before, and just 19% of heads of delegation were women; the stagnation points to persistent
structural inequalities in global climate governance. This lack of parity not only reflects
gender biases but also limits the scope of inclusive and sustainable environmental solutions.

Empirical research underscores that women’s involvement leads to more effective
environmental outcomes. A 2024 study analyzing Italian municipalities found that
female-majority councils enhance environmentally responsible behaviors, particularly in
communities with low social capital. Similarly, the International Union for Conservation
of Nature (IUCN) reported in 2024 that gender-inclusive environmental decision-making
improves both ecological and economic sustainability.

In spite of this, women have assumed strong leadership positions at the grassroots level.
Community-driven environmental governance is demonstrated in Indonesia, where all-female
ranger teams have been patrolling woods to stop poaching and illegal logging. As evidence of
the intergenerational growth of female leadership, older women in the UK have also played
significant roles in direct climate advocacy.

Despite increased recognition of their role, women still face systemic and political barriers.
The UN Women Gender Snapshot 2024 revealed that while 75% of agricultural and
environmental policies acknowledge women’s contributions, only 19% explicitly promote
gender equality or women’s rights. Women also remain more vulnerable to the impacts of
climate change, often shouldering the burdens of displacement, food insecurity, and health
challenges disproportionately.

However, the movement for reform is gaining traction. A new Gender and Climate Change
Action Plan was introduced at COP-29, promoting women’s full and meaningful
participation in climate decision-making. Women’s active roles in conservation and resilience
building are highlighted by grassroots initiatives on the ground, such as Indonesia’s
women-led ranger teams.

While meaningful strides have been made, achieving gender parity in environmental
policymaking requires systemic change, inclusive frameworks, and political will.
Recognizing women’s leadership is not only a matter of justice—it’s critical for a sustainable
planetary future.

3. Barriers to Women’s Environmental Leadership:

Women worldwide still encounter many obstacles when attempting to make environmental
decisions that impact their communities and the earth, even after decades of progress toward
gender equality.

Institutional Roadblocks:
Male-dominated institutions often maintain hiring and promotion practices that subtly favor
men while lacking family-friendly policies. When women secure positions, many encounter
workplace cultures where they must work harder to prove themselves worthy.

Cultural Perceptions and Biases:
Deeply ingrained social expectations cast environmental decision-making—particularly in
technical areas—as “men’s work” (roles traditionally assigned to men based on gender
stereotypes that associate masculinity with technical competence, authority, and rationality).
Women entering these spaces frequently contend with dismissive attitudes and unconscious
biases that diminish their contributions.

Educational and Capacity Restraints:
Educational disparities further impede the route to leadership. Access to professional
networks and STEM education, which are essential for career progression, is limited for
many women. Despite having disproportionate family duties, even qualified women
frequently find it difficult to fully participate. Women perform more than three quarters
(76.4%) of unpaid domestic care work globally, compared to men’s 23.6%, according to the
most recent studies (Charmes, 2019). Women provide 80.2% of unpaid care in developing
and emerging economies, compared to a slightly smaller percentage of women in
industrialized nations (65%).

Financial and Resource Limitations:
Additional obstacles are brought about by financial limitations. Individual activists frequently
lack the funds necessary for long-term campaigns, networking gatherings, and travel, and
women’s environmental organizations generally receive less financing than mainstream
organizations.

In addition to harming women, these barriers diminish environmental policy by excluding
critical perspectives and expertise. To achieve fully inclusive decision-making, these
obstacles must be dismantled by intentional institutional transformation, the fight against
gender stereotypes, expanding educational opportunities, and ensuring equal funding.

4. Benefits of Women’s Participation in Environmental Policy-Making:

Women’s active engagement in environmental policy-making yields transformative benefits,
enhancing the inclusivity, effectiveness, and equity of sustainability initiatives. Empirical
evidence and case studies underscore their critical role in addressing ecological challenges,
fostering equitable resource management and advancing global sustainability goals.

Diverse Perspectives and Innovative Solutions:
Women bring unique insights shaped by their roles as primary resource managers and leaders
in community resilience and resource management in communities worldwide. For instance,
the Chipko Movement in India and Kenya’s Green Belt Movement, both led by women,
demonstrated innovative, community-centered approaches to forest conservation (Pathak &
Chittaranjan Subudhi, 2019; Maathai, 2004). Research shows that gender-diverse teams
develop more holistic policies, integrating social and ecological considerations (UNDP,
2016). In India, female leaders reduced agricultural burning by 13%, lowering particulate
matter by 40%, as they prioritized children’s health over economic concerns (Agarwal et al.,
2021).

Enhanced Community Welfare and Social Equity:
Women’s participation ensures policies address marginalized groups, particularly in
resource-dependent communities. Globally, women produce 60–80% of food in developing
nations yet own only 2% of land, highlighting systemic inequities (FAO, 2011). When
included in decision-making, women prioritize accessibility and fairness. For example,
India’s women-led panchayats implemented equitable water distribution systems, reducing
disparities (Wickramasinghe, 2011).

Improved Policy Compliance and Effectiveness:
Policies shaped by women’s input often enjoy higher community trust and compliance.
Female legislators in India enforced stricter anti-pollution laws, demonstrating collaborative
leadership styles (Dubash & Chandra, 2022). Research indicates that nations with higher
female representation in parliament tend to implement more rigorous climate policies and are
more inclined to approve environmental agreements (United Nations. 2025).

Alignment with Global Sustainability Agendas:
Women’s leadership directly advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
particularly SDG 5 (gender equality) and SDG 13 (climate action) (Manzano, 2021). The
Paris Agreement emphasizes gender-responsive approaches, recognizing women’s roles in
climate resilience (UNFCCC, 2015). Similarly, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework includes Target 23, which ensures gender equality in the implementation of
biodiversity goals through a gender-responsive approach (CBD, 2022). Overall, by
integrating women’s expertise, environmental policies become more adaptive, just, and
impactful. Their participation addresses systemic gender gaps and catalyzes progress towards
a sustainable future, proving that inclusive governance is indispensable in tackling planetary
crises (IPCC, 2022). Empowering women in decision-making is not merely equitable—it is a
strategic imperative for effective environmental stewardship (SAN, 2024).

5. International Frameworks:

Women’s representation in environmental decision-making processes remains inadequate,
and their access to and operation of land and marine coffers are oppressively limited. In 1995,
at the Fourth World Conference on Women, representatives from 189 countries agreed on a
groundbreaking plan for gender equivalency, the Beijing Declaration and Platform of
Action.

Today, 30 years later, the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action continues to inspire and
guide decision-makers towards the advancement of women’s rights. It outlines the need to
ensure that women are involved in environmental decision-making in all situations. Their
voices are amplified through transnational bodies and women’s rights associations that work
to ensure their enterprises are meaningfully integrated into policies and programs.

At the fourteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD (Convention on
Biological Diversity) in December 2018, UNEP-WCMC (United Nations Environment
World Conservation Monitoring Centre) and UN Women banded together to progress
three crucial precedence action areas for advancing women’s commission in the
perpetration of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework:

i. Equal openings for leadership, decision-making, timber and effective engagement at all
situations

ii. Equal access, power and control over natural coffers

iii. Equal access to benefits from biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, and from the
application of inheritable coffers

The collaboration also focuses on relating openings to align with the 2030 docket for
sustainable development, as gender equivalency is one of the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs).

International fabrics like CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women) promote comprehensive gender equivalency but vary in
national perpetration and are effective in establishing transnational morals. SDG 5( Gender
Equality) raises global mindfulness and funds but faces perpetration hurdles and provides a
framework for integrating gender perspectives into development programs. fabrics
addressing technology-enabled violence against women are still developing, which identifies
the need for stronger protections against new forms of violence eased by technology. In the
past two times, IUCN has supported raising women and youth to attend global climate policy
spaces, including participation at COP. The aim is to give direct access to climate policy
engagements with crucial stakeholders. At COP28, uniting with the Mohamed bin Zayed
Species Conservation Fund and AGENT, IUCN supported the trip and engagement of 15
youths and grassroots civil society women leaders. At COP29, IUCN will continue
supporting youthful women leaders.

The analysis shows that while transnational covenants have set important norms and
mustered coffers, inconsistent perpetration and difficulties integrating these frameworks
into national context limit their impact. Some areas profit from national policies and
profitable commission enterprises, while others struggle with artistic opposition and limited
coffers. The success of these programs shows their promise, but scalability and support
structure enterprises limit their use.

6. Enhancing Women’s Participation in Environmental Policymaking:

Women play a very important role in the protection of the environment and sustainable
development. The rural and indigenous populations, who are the main users and managers of
the natural resources, are most affected by this. They haven’t been extremely involved in
creating environmental policies, though. Increased Women’s participation is essential not just
for gender equality but also to make these policies more inclusive, effective, fair, and
sustainable.

One strategy could be having legal and institutional arrangements needing female
representation in environmental policy discussions. Gender quotas in decision-making forums
like environmental ministries, advisory councils, and local forest management
committees should be included. For example, India’s Joint Forest Management (JFM)
scheme has required the involvement of women, and results in community forest
management have improved (Agarwal, 2001).

Capacity-building programs aimed at improving women’s capacity will help them to
acquire the knowledge, leadership qualities, and confidence needed to participate fully.
Training programs in climate science, policy advocacy, and environmental law are able to
enable women to engage more constructively. Organizations like UN Women and WEDO
have undertaken such initiatives globally.

Financial assistance and funding need to be specifically earmarked for women’s
environmental initiatives. Climate finance, green technology, and sustainable livelihood
programs provide access to women so that they can shape policy from the grassroots level.
The Green Climate Fund has identified gender responsiveness as a consideration in
project assessment (GCF, 2022).

Grassroots mobilization and representation are also important. Building women’s
environmental networks and promoting participation in local governance institutions
promotes bottom-up influence. Additionally, gender-sensitive data collection is essential.
Policymakers need to incorporate sex-disaggregated data and gender analysis to comprehend
how environmental concerns impact men and women differently. This evidence base
guarantees that policies are inclusive and responsive to women’s unique needs and
contributions.

Finally, creating awareness and transforming social norms through educational and media
campaigns can address the cultural and institutional barriers that block the participation of
women. Policymakers adopting the principles of EPEW, like institutional reforms,
empowerment, and financial access, can ensure that women play a more active role in
environmental policy.

7. The Gap Between Participation in Environmental Movements and the
Policy-Making Process:

Women have historically played a crucial role in grassroots environmental movements, often
spearheading campaigns against deforestation, pollution, and climate injustice. From the
pioneering Bishnoi Movement of 1731 led by Amrita Devi to the Silent Valley Movement
championed by Sugatha Kumari, women have been at the forefront of India’s environmental
activism—organizing communities, educating the public, and leading resistance efforts, even
as they often bear the disproportionate burden of environmental degradation.

Yet, their influence rarely extends to the policy table. Despite being central to sustainable
practices and community resilience, structural barriers continue to sideline women in formal
environmental governance.

Though this gap continues with multiple regional variations, it is deeply rooted in structural
inequalities, socio-cultural norms, and institutional barriers. While women mobilize
communities and advocate for sustainability at the local level, their voices are
underrepresented in formal decision-making bodies. Statistics reflect this imbalance —
women hold only a fraction of leadership positions in environmental ministries and
intergovernmental climate bodies. (Data from 145 countries show that women constitute
more than 3 million (35.5 percent) of elected members in local deliberative bodies. Only
two countries have reached 50 per percent, and an additional 26 countries have more than
40 per percent women in local government.)

The consequences are multifaceted. Policies often fail to reflect the lived experiences of
women, particularly in India, where they are disproportionately affected by environmental
degradation. Excluding women from policy-making results in approaches that lack
participation, durability, and meaningful results.

Bridging this gap requires institutional reforms that ensure gender parity in policy forums and
decision-making processes. Mechanisms such as gender quotas, inclusive consultations, and
capacity-building for women leaders in environmental governance are essential. Furthermore,
recognizing and valuing women’s indigenous and local knowledge can enhance the impact
and relevance of environmental policies.

8. Case Studies: Successful Approaches:

Around the world, women are shattering barriers to drive meaningful environmental change.
During India’s landmark Chipko movement, village women physically embraced trees to halt
deforestation, while Medha Patkar’s leadership in the Narmada Bachao Andolan protected
vulnerable communities from destructive dam initiatives. Millions of people were impacted
by the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, which was started by Nobel winner Wangari Maathai
and transformed landscapes through women-led reforestation.

Modern inventions have just as much promise. Both conservation outcomes and economic
prospects have improved due to Nepal’s mandate mandating 50% female involvement on
forest committees. By incorporating their traditional ecological expertise into REDD+
planning, Indigenous women in Costa Rica revolutionized national forest policies. As part of
the Paris Agreement, nations created the REDD+ framework to safeguard forests. “Reducing
emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries” is what REDD stands for. The ‘+’ represents additional climate-protective forest-related actions, such as
sustainable forest management and the preservation and improvement of forest carbon stores.
When poor nations eliminate deforestation, they can obtain results-based payments for
lowering emissions under the framework of these REDD+ initiatives. This is a powerful
motivator for their work.

The “Hargila Army” in India exemplifies how women conservationists link endangered
stork protection with economic empowerment for local women.

Studies consistently confirm that when women participate substantively in environmental
governance—whether in Tanzania’s payment-for-ecosystem programs or as rangers
combating wildlife trafficking—both conservation outcomes and community wellbeing
improve significantly. The Women Delegates Fund has also revolutionized climate
negotiations and increased their influence in international policy forums by providing
financial aid and leadership development to women in developing nations.

9. Conclusion :

The evidence is clear and compelling: women’s participation in environmental policy-making
isn’t just a matter of equity—it’s essential for our planetary survival. Their unique
perspectives, traditional knowledge, and community-centered approaches are transforming
environmental governance from India’s forests to international climate negotiations. Yet
substantial barriers persist, from institutional biases to resource limitations.

Women’s participation in environmental policy-making is crucial for achieving sustainable
development and promoting gender equality (UN, 2020; Agarwal, 2001). By recognizing the
value of women’s perspectives and experiences, we can create more inclusive and effective
environmental policies (Leach, 2007). It’s essential to address the barriers that prevent
women from participating in decision-making processes and to empower them to take on
leadership roles (World Bank, 2018). As we move forward, let’s prioritize the inclusion of
women in environmental policy-making, ensuring their voices are heard and their
contributions valued (IUCN, 2018). By working together, we can create a more just and
sustainable future for all (Brundtland Commission, 1987).

Today, 30 years after the Beijing Declaration, we stand at a critical juncture. Studies
consistently demonstrate that when women participate meaningfully in environmental
decision-making, both ecological outcomes and community wellbeing improve dramatically.
The women-led initiatives showcased throughout this paper—from the Chipko movement to
Indonesia’s ranger teams—prove that inclusive leadership delivers more sustainable and just
results.

Advancing women’s environmental leadership requires dismantling systemic barriers through
institutional reforms, capacity building, and targeted resources. This isn’t merely about
representation—it’s about creating the conditions for women to contribute their full potential
to solving our most pressing environmental challenges. The path to a sustainable future runs
directly through women’s empowerment and leadership in environmental policy-making.

References:

Acknowledgement:

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the entire IISPPR team for providing us with this invaluable opportunity. Their commitment to excellence and innovation has been truly inspiring throughout this journey.

Our special appreciation goes to Aastha ma’am for her insightful feedback and unwavering support that helped shape our work. We are equally indebted to Sir for his expert guidance and visionary approach that consistently challenged us to exceed our potential.

This endeavor would not have been possible without their mentorship, patience, and encouragement that propelled us forward, even through challenging phases of our project.

We remain deeply grateful for the knowledge shared and the skills cultivated under their expert tutelage.

Contributions:

Abstract : Rishav Saha + Sreeja Mukherjee

Introduction: Ikechukwu Francis Ikebuaso

The Current State of Women’s Participation in Environmental Policy making: Gauri Sankhla

Barriers to Women’s Environmental Leadership: Sreeja Mukherjee

Benefits of Women’s Participation in Environmental Policy making: Freshta Naim

International Frameworks: Rishav Saha

Enhancing Women’s Participation in Environmental policy-making: Paridhi Madhukallya

The Gap between participation in environmental movements and the policy making process: Anwesha Roygupta

Case studies: Successful approaches: Sreeja Mukherjee

Conclusion : Ikechukwu Francis Ikebuaso

Author
Shoo Phar Dhie

Shoo Phar Dhie

Kang Bakso

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